Ramazan Akçan

Effects of different types of soil on decomposition: An experimental study

Decomposition, a postmortem process including autolysis and putrefaction, is affected by many factors (e.g., humidity, microbial activity, soil properties). The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of soil type in decomposition process. Changes occurred in two intervals (3 and 6 months) were evaluated using a total of 32 Sus scrofa limbs by burying in four different types of soil (loamy, clayey, sandy and organic). The extremities in all soils had lost weight over time; however, mass loss was greater in loamy and organic soils in both intervals. Entomological findings were also assessed. Obtained findings of soil analysis and evaluation of decomposition were compatible. In conclusion, the present study revealed that soil properties and textures should be taken into account in evaluation of decomposition and estimating postmortem interval in crime scene investigation.

Analysis of the hematological and biochemical parameters related to lead intoxication

In parallel with industrial advancements, number of the occupational diseases secondary to chemical exposure is increasing. The chemical agents in the work places affect various organ and tissue systems, leading to chronic diseases. In this study, the cases diagnosed with occupational disease due to exposure to lead were studied and importance of the environmental forensic sciences on this issue was emphasized. A hundred and ninety patients diagnosed with occupational disease related to lead intoxication in Ankara Occupational Diseases Hospital between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2009 were included in the study. Twenty cases were used as the controls. Sociodemographic characteristics, serum chemical parameters and hematological parameters of the patients were retrospectively assessed. Mean age of the cases included in the study was 35.3±8.69. Hemoglobin (Hb) (p=0.018) and Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p<0.001) values were found significantly lower in the patients with lead exposure than in the controls. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) was significantly lower in the patients with lead exposure than in the controls (p=0.002), whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was found higher (p<0.001). In thyroid function test (TFTs) panel, free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels were found significantly higher in the patients with lead exposure than in the control group (p=0.01), while Thyrotrophin-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were lower (p<0.001). No significant difference was found in terms of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values. In the correlation analysis; serum level of serum lead (Pb) was correlated positively with ALP values and negatively with Hb, MCV and TSH. Considering its effects on the biochemical and hematological parameters, a detailed investigation should be carried out in the cases with lead exposure, which occupies an important place among the occupational diseases.

Pesticide intoxications in Cukurova, Turkey: three years analysis

In Cukurova region, pesticide poisonings still remain an unfortunate cause of death, which led to the present study. The autopsy records of Adana Branch of the Council of Forensic Medicine, between 2006 and 2008, were evaluated retrospectively. Deaths that were attributed to pesticide poisoning were included in the scope of the study to identify the type of pesticide, and etiology of intoxication. The frequency and distribution of intoxications were also analyzed in terms of sex and age. In the studied period, a total of 4199 autopsies were referred to the forensic toxicology laboratory for pesticide analysis. Seventy-two cases were positive for pesticide analysis. Of these, 42 (58.33%) were male and 30 (41.67%) were female, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 20.6 years. Among the inspected pesticides, endosulfan was found to be the most common with 47.2% of prevalence, followed by dichlorvos. This report showed that certain pesticides, endosulfan in particular, remains as common cause of poisonings in Cukurova region.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in amniotic fluids of pregnant women in south-central Turkey†

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in amniotic fluid of 200 pregnant women from the Cukurova region of Turkey. The concentrations of OCPs [hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and various metabolites], and different PCB congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection as follows: HCB 6.6 ± 4.7, ΣHCH 21.6 ± 14.2, ΣDDT 12.5 ± 7.5, and ΣPCBs 74.0 ± 54 ng mL−1. Correlations of maternal or gestational age and levels of OCPs and PCBs were not significant. The levels of these organochlorine compounds (OCs) were below detection limit for 5% of the samples, 80% contained more than one OC. This study illustrates that prenatal exposure of a fetus to OCs is prevalent in the Cukurova region.

Striated abrasions from a knife with non-serrated blade-identification of the instrument of crime on the basis of an experiment with material evidence

This paper presents an experiment with a knife seized as material evidence in a homicide case. The reason for the experiment was the necessity to determine whether the injuries of the deceased could have been inflicted with this instrument since in the course of the investigation doubt arose as to the origin of linear, parallel scratches around one of the wounds and on the abdominal integuments suggesting a serrated blade. The knife found near the crime scene had a smooth blade and small serrations only on the borderline between its blade and hilt. However, the performed experiment showed that if the knife is directed towards the integuments of the body in a special way, its serrations, even though not located on the blade itself, may leave such striated marks on the body, as those found during the autopsy, suggesting their origin from a serrated blade.

Analysis of methanol and its derivatives in illegally produced alcoholic beverages

INTRODUCTION Illegal alcohol production remains as a common issue worldwide. Methanol poisoning mostly occurs because of the methanol used in production of counterfeit alcohol instead of ethyl alcohol due to its low price or by drinking the liquids containing methyl alcohol. Pectolytic enzymes results in an increase of methanol levels in many fermentation products such as ciders or wines. Methanol poisonings are infrequently encountered in forensic medicine practice. However, sporadic cases due to methanol intoxication as well as epidemic cases have been reported. In this study, we aimed to identify existence of methanol and its metabolites in illegally produced alcoholic beverages used in Antakya region. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve legally produced alcohol samples and Fifty-six different illegally produced alcohol samples were collected from the markets and local producers. Existence of methanol, formic acid, methyl amine, methyl formate and trioxan were determined using GC-MS method in these samples. RESULTS Fifty-six different illegal alcohol samples were analyzed in this study and methanol was detected in 39 (75%) of samples. Formic acid was detected in 3, formamide in 1, methyl amine in 6, methyl formate in 10 and trioxan in 2 samples. CONCLUSION Overwhelming majority of illegal alcoholic beverages was detected to contain methanol. Interestingly this study also revealed the presence of trioxane, which has not previously reported among toxic agents in illegal alcohol samples.

Fatal aorto-esophageal fistula in child: A case report

Esophageal foreign body ingestion is especially frequent in childhood and may cause fatal complications in case of late diagnosis and delayed treatment. We present a case of 2-year old girl who was admitted to emergency department with massive bleeding. However, she died due to an unrecognized foreign body resulted an aorto-esophageal fistula. At autopsy an aorto-esophageal fistula was detected by gross examination. Tissue samples were obtained from the organs and fistula region. In histopathological examination, a calcified body with multinucleated giant cell and surrounding granulation tissue was detected at the bleeding site. An ulcerated fistula tract ran from the intima to the adventitia, passing through layers of esophageal wall was also noticed. The mortality rate for foreign body ingestion is less than 1%, except in cases of perforation. Therefore the presented case is among rare examples of fatal foreign body ingestions.

Trans-anethole concentrations in bogma raki

We read with great interest the article entitled ‘‘Electron Microscopic Examination of Effects of Bogma Raki and Walnut on Cochlea: An Experimental Study’’ by Cevik et al. presenting a 4-week bogma raki, walnut, and bogma raki þ walnut consumption effects on cochlea of Wistar male albino rats by electron microscopy. As the authors mention, the relationship between acute or chronic alcohol consumption and hearing remains unclear. In their study, they utilized bogma raki samples produced by homemade traditional methods, in Turkey. Cevik et al. analyzed samples of bogma raki given to the rats by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and the content of bogma raki was presented as shown in Table 1. Trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) benzene) is the principal aromatic molecule originated from anise in raki and also used for flavor in many alcoholic drinks such as Middle Eastern arak, Colombian aguardiente, French spirits absinthe, anisette and pastis, Greek ouzo, Bulgarian and Macedonian mastika, German Jagermeister, Italian sambuca, Dutch brokmopke, Portuguese, Peruvian, and Spanish anisado, Herbs de Majorca, and Mexican xtabentun. According to the Turkish Food Codex, the minimum limit for trans-anethole in raki is 800 mg/L. Many papers present trans-anethole concentrations found in Turkish raki and bogma raki samples with measurement as ‘‘weight of trans-anethole’’/’’volume of beverage’’. Gueven examines 14 nationally certified brands of raki available in the local markets and stated that trans-anethole levels ranged between 747 mg/L and 1547 mg/L. Trans-anethole levels in bogma raki samples were investigated in a MSc thesis by Bulur, which revealed trans-anethole concentrations ranging between 441.46 mg/L and 2098.10 mg/L in 12 samples. Trans-anethole concentration detected in the study by Cevik et al. is abnormally high, according to our experience. Additionally, in a lately conducted, unpublished, study by our team, trans-anethole level was 1.93% (v/v), in local bogma raki sample. In this context, we did a calculation in order to find out the concentration of trans-anethole in bogma raki sample utilized by Cevik et al. Trans-anethole density is 0.988 g/mL at 25 C. Considering 10.94%v/v volume of trans-antehole in the sample, the concentration of trans-anthole in Cevik et al.’s sample is 108,087 mg/L, which is theoretically impossible compared to the related literature. Although the data regarding to trans-anethole toxicity is insufficient, oral median lethal dose values for trans-anethole were reported to be 1.8–5.0 g/kg in mice; 2.1–3.2 g/kg in rats. Additionally, literature reveals that doses of equal or higher than 120 mg/kg/day cause severe weight loss and dehydration. Considering high trans-anethole concentrations found in calculation above, in the study by Cevik et al., rats given bogma raki regimen should have present

Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis in childhood: A case report

Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis is a rare entity of unknown origin, which causes sudden death in more than half of the affected patients. It is rarely seen in childhood, and might result in death due to heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis is mostly diagnosed at autopsy incidentally. Here we present a rare case of childhood idiopathic giant cell myocarditis. A 10-year old boy found dead in his bed in the morning. Interview with family members revealed death the boy was in good health conditions apart from being overweight. At autopsy, external examination was completely normal. Internal examination revealed normal findings; the heart was 297g and macroscopically normal. No traces of any toxic agents detected in complete toxicological analyses. Areas characterized with granulomatous lesions, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and multinucleated giant cells were observed in myocardium at histopathological examination. No necrosis was observed in granulomatous areas. Tuberculosis was negative in the PCR assays. There were no signs indicative of fungal infection, and clinical status of the case was not compatible with the sarcoidosis. In this respect death was attributed to idiopathic giant cell myocarditis.

Socio-demographic characteristics of juvenile delinquents in Turkey

In developing countries, juvenile delinquency and the involvement of children in crime is an important social problem. The bio-psycho-social factors leading to a crime, as well as the situation of individuals in society have become an increasingly important issue. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of socio-economic and -demographic characteristics of children involved in crime as suspects or victims. A questionnaire comprising questions concerning their socio-demographic characteristics and family status was administered to the participants. Of a total 351 cases, 245 (69.8%) were alleged offenders and 71 (20.2%) were victims of a crime. Most of them were male in the 16–18 age group, attending high school, involving in a crime for the first time, suffering from a substance-use disorder and have committed physical assaults and theft crimes. Obtained findings should be considered in developing strategies and implementing prevention policies in order to tackle juvenile delinquency. Besides the penalties given to children involved in a crime, educational and psychosocial support should also be provided.